Crust (baking) facts for kids
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In baking, a crust is the crispy outer layer of foods like bread or the tasty shell of a pie. It's usually made from simple ingredients such as flour, water, salt, and some kind of fat (like butter or oil). Sometimes, other things like milk or sugar are added to make it taste even better or change its texture. Bakers might brush the outside with an egg or milk wash, or sprinkle it with coarse sugar, to make it look nice and shiny. A good crust is a key part of many delicious pastries!
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What Makes a Crust Flaky or Tough?
The way you mix the ingredients and the amount of each one really affects how a crust turns out. For example, if the flour isn't mixed well with the fat, the water can mix too much with the flour. This makes a protein called gluten develop too much. When gluten becomes too strong, the crust can become tough and chewy, which isn't usually what you want for a pie crust.
The Secret to a Flaky Crust
Most people prefer a flaky crust, especially for pies. To get this, bakers make sure the fat is mixed into the flour just right. This creates tiny layers of fat within the dough. When the crust bakes, these fat layers melt and create steam, which pushes the layers apart. This is what gives a crust its wonderful flaky texture.
Different Types of Pie Crusts
Pie crusts can be used in different ways depending on the type of pastry. Sometimes, the crust is baked first, before any filling is added. This is called "blind baking." Other times, the crust and filling are baked together at the same time.
One-Crust vs. Two-Crust Pies
When it comes to pies, there are two main kinds:
- One-crust pies: These pies only have a bottom crust. Think of a pumpkin pie or a custard pie. The filling is poured into the bottom crust and then baked.
- Two-crust pies: These pies have both a bottom crust and a top crust. Apple pies are a great example! The top crust can be a full, solid layer, or it can be a decorative design like a lattice top. A lattice top is made from strips of dough woven together, which looks pretty and lets steam escape while baking.
See also
In Spanish: Corteza (pan) para niños
